A Celebration of Legacy, Connection, and the Arts
By Terry Alfonso, Director of Arts Education
The goal of the Inaugural Miami Country Day School Arts Hall of Fame was simple yet profound: to ensure that the families of our inductees understood the lasting impact their loved ones have had—and continue to have—on our community. What unfolded that evening in the Center for the Arts was a moving and joyful celebration of artistry, mentorship, and connection, as generations of our Spartan community gathered to honor the creative legacies that helped shape Miami Country Day School.
Established to honor alumni and faculty who have made outstanding contributions through their talent, leadership, and advocacy, the MCDS Arts Hall of Fame celebrates those whose creativity and vision have enriched lives, built community, and inspired generations of students. Like the Center for the Arts itself, the Hall of Fame reflects the school’s belief that the arts are an essential part of being an educated person and a cornerstone of lifelong learning.
The inaugural celebration honored four extraordinary individuals whose artistry, leadership, and mentorship helped shape the creative heart of MCDS: Adam Epstein ’92, Sandi Lewis, Jonina Pitchman, and John Wicker.
Held in the Center for the Arts, the evening brought together alumni, faculty (past and present), students, and families representing more than four decades of MCDS history. The program blended live music from the Honors Jazz Ensemble with heartfelt storytelling from truly entertaining alumni presenters who returned to campus to honor their mentors and friends.
Carmen Bell ’91, Community and Donor Relations Coordinator at Riverside House and a passionate vocalist and public speaker, presented for Adam Epstein ’92.
Brittany Sarkisian ’04, a professional screenwriter, director, and actor with credits in film, television, and video games, presented for Sandi Lewis.
Tiffany Guillen ’12, a film and television director and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree whose work includes projects with HBO Max, Netflix, and Amazon, presented for Jonina Pitchman.
Nicholas Richberg ’96, Executive Director of Miami New Drama at the Colony Theatre and an accomplished theater producer and performer, presented for John Wicker.
Each presenter shared personal reflections on the profound influence these mentors had on their lives and careers. Their stories illustrated how the values cultivated in the arts at MCDS, continue to shape alumni long after graduation. Family members Wayne Cypen, Steven Lewis, Zach Pitchman, and Chelsea Wicker added another deeply meaningful dimension, highlighting not only the professional accomplishments of the inductees but also their humanity, generosity, and passion.
A highlight of the evening was the Archive Walk and Plaque Unveiling, where guests explored artifacts from past productions and viewed the permanent sign honoring the inductees in the CFA hallway. The space now serves as a living gallery of MCDS arts history, connecting the past, present, and future of the school’s creative community.
Meet the Inaugural Inductees
Adam Epstein ’92
Adam Epstein’s accomplishments in the world of theatre were nothing short of extraordinary. A celebrated Broadway producer, Epstein’s work earned 46 Tony Award nominations and 12 Tony Awards throughout his career, including a Tony Award for Best Musical for his role as a producer of Hairspray, which became a Broadway sensation with more than 2,600 performances and productions around the world. His producing credits also included acclaimed revivals such as A View From the Bridge, Amadeus, and The Crucible, as well as musical adaptations including The Wedding Singer and Cry-Baby. Through his creativity, vision, and leadership, Epstein helped shape modern musical theatre while bringing great pride to the MCDS community. Alumna Carmen Bell ’91 reflected on how Adam’s mentorship and artistic passion helped inspire her own journey in the arts.
Sandi Lewis
Sandi Lewis’s legacy at MCDS is defined by her tireless commitment to student growth and artistic excellence. As a teacher, director, and mentor, she cultivated creativity, confidence, and collaboration, inspiring generations of students to explore their talents fully in the classroom and on the stage and even established our Thespian chapter. Alumna Brittany Sarkisian ’04 recalled Sandi’s guidance in countless productions and her remarkable ability to foster joy, professionalism, and artistry in every student, reflecting the profound and lasting impact Sandi had on the MCDS community.
Jonina Pitchman
Jonina Pitchman’s dedication to dance, theater and storytelling has left an indelible mark on MCDS. Through founding the Dance program and her co-leadership in Theatre for Social Change, she encouraged students to explore the power of storytelling as a force for empathy, reflection, and transformation. Alumna Tiffany Guillen ’12 shared how Jonina’s mentorship helped ignite a passion for storytelling that continues to shape her work today as a professional director in film and television.
John Wicker
John Wicker’s contributions to MCDS embody artistry, mentorship, and a lifelong dedication to his students. Through music, theater, and performance, he taught and inspired generations of students. He founded the tradition of our MCDS Spring Musical and our Contemporary Music Ensemble, 21 Hearts, 1 Beat. Alum Nicholas Richberg ’96 shared personal reflections on John’s extraordinary ability to nurture talent while creating an environment where students felt both challenged and supported.
The evening made clear that the arts at MCDS are built on legacy. As Director of Arts Terry Alfonso reflected, today’s students and faculty stand on the shoulders of those who came before; individuals whose dedication and vision helped build the thriving arts community we enjoy today.
One guest that evening captured the sentiment best, sharing, “You could feel their legacies alive in the stories, the laughter, and the music.”
Inspired by the long-standing tradition of the MCDS Athletics Hall of Fame, the Arts Hall of Fame will now become a biannual celebration, honoring those who have elevated the arts at Miami Country Day School. Through this tradition, their stories and contributions will continue to inspire future generations of Spartan artists.
The inaugural evening was both a culmination and a beginning. The arts are at the heart of who we are at Miami Country Day School and to quote one of my favorite musicals, “It is not enough to know where you are going. You also have to know where you’re coming from.”
